English 123—Yanover
Discussion Questions about the several versions of “Cinderella”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Charles Perrault’s “Cinderella”
Brothers Grimm’s “Cinderella”
Walt Disney’s “Cinderella”
the Chinese story “Yeh-hsien”
the Native American story “The Hidden One”
In groups of 4, discuss the various versions of “Cinderella” in relation to the prompt you’ve been
given or have selected. Elect a Leader, Speaker, Notetaker, and Researcher.
Find evidence for your answer(s), including your interpretation of that evidence.
Finally, discuss what is suggested or revealed about the society reflected in the text and its
cultural values and beliefs. What purpose and/or effect do these values and beliefs have?
1) How are women perceived in each version? What is expected of women in terms of
ideal/normal behavior, characteristics, etc.?
2) How are men perceived in each version? What is expected of men in terms of
ideal/normal behavior, characteristics, etc.?
3) What traits/behaviors make a person good (virtuous) in each version? (What makes a
person a good citizen/member of society?) What is the benefit or purpose of these traits?
Virtuous: having or displaying (moral) virtue.
Virtue: conforming to a standard of right or morality.
4) What is considered beautiful in each version? What is the benefit or purpose of this kind
of beauty?
5) What is the perception of wealth in each version? What effect does this perception have
on people’s social standing and power? Why?
6) What is the attitude toward work in each version? Why? What types are respected or
esteemed? What types are disrespected or disesteemed? Why? How do you know?
7) What is the perception of nature in each version?